Monday, March 20, 2017

Keep Going

This is my first year to participate in the Slice of Life Challenge. I thought about it in other years but never really took the plunge. I must admit, I have missed two so far.One night, I got home after another 15 hour day and was simply so tired I just crawled into bed. As I curled up, I remembered I hadn't sliced yet and thought, "I am going to just miss this one." I gave myself permission to skip.Last night, I forgot to slice too. I woke up early and worked quietly on lesson plans and grading in the hotel room, while my son slept in. Then we started our day. I wanted to go to The Strand, because I always go to The Strand when I'm in New York. I bought The Love U Hate; I am forcing myself to wait and read it this summer with a girl I tutor. Then we went to Stephen's old job so he could see some friends. By the time we got him it was early evening and I simply had forgotten. But, twenty days in, I am starting to lag. I am wondering if I have enough to say. I am questioning my purpose in this endeavor.I imagine that is how our students feel at time. Why am I doing this? What is the point? Weariness - of the body and the soul - can be debilitating.I know why I slice. I believe that, to be a better teacher of writing, I need to write myself. However, this year, I don't teach writing - just reading. So - again - why am I doing this?Maybe to be a part of a community? I do enjoy reading others posts. I enjoy reading the comments left on mine. I feel connected when I realize I am not the only teacher that wants nothing more than a quiet Friday night in front of the TV after a busy week.Purpose.It's important that we understand the why behind what we do. I introduced the idea of writing a letter as a readers response today. From a character to a character. To a character from you. From the character to you. All sorts of options. One 2nd grader asked, "Can I write a letter to the author?""What do you want to say to the author? What would be the purpose of your letter?""I would tell her what I learned from reading the book.""Yes, that would be a great readers response."So, tonight, I search for my purpose. I don't want to "phone it in." I want my commitment to participate in the 2017 Slice of Life challenge to have meaning - to me mostly. Even though I am struggling, at times, to think of something meaningful to say, I keep going. Because sometimes the purpose it just that - - to keep going until you discover it. Or it discovers you.

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for the opportunity to share this slice of my life.

Your post could have been written by me in previous years. Somehow, this year, has been different; I have been doing this challenge for several years. This year, my writing flowed. It wasn't always my best writing, but it was writing I needed to do, just like this post for you. I hope you stayed with the challenge and found your purpose.